HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 Sidewalk PolicyCity of West University Place, Texas
Sidewalk Policy
Adopted by City Council . November 12, 2001
Preface
On November 7, 2000, the voters of West U approved a $5 million general obligation bond issue
for the purpose of the construction and improvements of City sidewalks, including related street
improvements. Recognizing that the amount authorized by the bond election may not be
adequate to complete an entire system the City has adopted the following approach and priority
scheme in implementing the vote of the bond election
Policy Statement
For the purpose of providing accessibility, mobility and a circulation network for pedestrians to
Town Center, parks, transit stops, area businesses, City buildings, facilities, and programs and
encouraging general safety for pedestrians, it is the policy of the City to provide, in a timely
manner, a system of connecting sidewalks and to install sidewalks on at least one side of a street
where there is sufficient right -of -way. The system is to be constructed in such a manner that it
will enhance pedestrian safety by eliminating pedestrian hazards and minimizing conflict with
vehicular traffic. A Sidewalk Construction Map shall be prepared which outlines primary
destination and access routes and establishes first priority for those streets identified in the
attached exhibit; establishes a second priority the repair of existing sidewalks and in -fill to
complete a block section; and a third priority the installation of new sidewalks where none exist.
Sidewalk Requirements
Sidewalks, shall, to the greatest extent feasible, meet state and federal standards for design,
installation and maintenance. Sidewalks installation shall also be coordinated with street
construction activity, if feasible, as part of the City's infrastructure improvement program.
Except as provided below, on blocks with front facing lots, sidewalks shall be installed corner to
corner on side(s) of street abutting fronts of homes. Blocks with predominately side lots facing
street may have sidewalks on one side. Side receiving sidewalk should be determined by:
1. Inventory of existing, complying sidewalks and determination of least new work required
for connectivity.
2. Inventory of existing qualifying trees and other immovable obstructions that would
suggest placement on opposite side.
3. Request of a majority of the lot owners abutting the street in question.
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If a sidewalk is installed on only one side of the street, the adverse impact of alternating from
side to side shall be avoided.
Generally, sidewalks shall be a minimum of 48" in width.'
Sidewalk Material
Sidewalks shall be concrete unless approved for alternate materials. Engineer shall specify
thickness, reinforcing, base, and other design criteria.
Alternate materials may be permitted for whole blocks or in specific areas as in installations over
tree roots if they meet all criteria in terms of compliance with applicable laws and regulations,
performance and maintenance. However, when the selection of alternate materials is for cosmetic
reasons and not at the City's choice to preserve trees, the costs above those for concrete shall be
borne by residents or block on pro -rata basis. Alternate materials may include but are not limited
to:
• Pre -cast concrete
• Brick payers
• Textured, galvanized steel plate
• Stone slabs
• Colored concrete
• Stabilized decomposed granite
• Recycled rubber tiles or mats
Sidewalk Location
Traditional sidewalk placement near the property line (12 inches inside right -of -way) and a
buffer from the curb shall be encouraged. Path of sidewalks can deviate to clear obstructions and
may be adjacent to the street edge curb with approval of the Director of Public Works. In making
a determination about the proximity of the sidewalk adjacent to the curb, the Director shall take
into account such factors as street classification, anticipated pedestrian traffic, lengths of
driveways and side -yard privacy.
Trees
The City Council has determined that the urban forest is of great value in the maintenance of
public health and welfare and that trees are a valuable amenity to the urban environment. In
instances where sidewalk installation or maintenance would require the removal, damage, or
death of a large tree, it is the intent of the sidewalk program that applicable laws and regulations
shall be read together and harmonized so that, if reasonably practicable, the large tree is
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Width established by City ordinance.
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protected. Large trees that are deemed to be in poor condition will not be protected and will not
require mitigation techniques for installation of sidewalks. Removal of tree may be required if
tree is determined to be hazardous. Condition will be determined by the Urban Forester. Options
to protect trees may include:
• Installing sidewalks at grade above roots without cutting and adding fill to either side of
walk to transition to grade along with a drainage board beneath the concrete.
• Installing approved alternate materials over the critical root area.
• Altering the path within the right -of -way.
• Providing an easement to the City to relocate the walk to private property.
• Relocating the tree.
• Where grade cuts are required, work shall adhere to recommendations for pruning roots and
canopy, slope of cuts, and installation of retaining walls or tree wells.
Intersections
When streets are newly constructed or altered, ramps must be constructed to eliminate barriers to
entry from a pedestrian walkway. Similar rules apply when new sidewalks are built or altered.
Generally this will require accessible curb ramps or sloped areas wherever sidewalks intersect
with a street. Alternative routes to City buildings, facilities, and program that make use of
existing curb ramps may be acceptable where people with disabilities must only travel a
marginally longer route.3
Implementation
The City Manager is authorized to hire a design consultant with appropriate project and
community relations experience to assist the project manager to coordinate inventories and
analyses, coordinate with consultants, residents and engineers and to provide design guidance for
problem conditions such as interference with trees and severe grade changes, and curb ramps.
r
Inventory of existing sidewalks will be conducted and value analysis performed to determine
extent and location of new sidewalks and those to be retained.
Consulting Urban Forester's right -of -way inventories shall be reviewed and augmented with
respect to recommended grade changes, and coordinated with as -built drawings for the sidewalk
program.
Prior to the approval of a specific area sidewalk plan, preliminary drawings shall be made
available for public review and comment. Affected homeowners shall have a reasonable amount
2 See §22, Code of Ordinances Urban Forest Preservation.
See ADA and City Governments: Conimnon !- rohlems available from liS. Department of Justice, Civil Rights
Division.
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of time to request modifications to a sidewalk plan. Requests for modifications shall be
submitted to the Public Works Director and the design consultant. If the modification is denied,
the property owner may file an appeal with the Building and Standards Commission in
accordance with the BSC's standard procedures. Final sidewalk drawings will be submitted to
the City Council, at which time any affected person may provide further comments on the
proposal. The Council may revoke, modify, or confirm the proposal prior to public bidding.
The design consultant shall conduct an analysis of the initial implementation project to document
lessons learned and information to be incorporated in future phases.
Maintenance
The Public Works Director is authorized to accept improved sidewalks for maintenance by the
City upon the filing of a formal, written acceptance document with the City Secretary.4
Exhibit
See § 19, Code of Ordinances Street Areas & Public Places.
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Auden
Bissonnet (Academy to RR tracks)
Brompton (Cason to Holcombe)
Buffalo Speedway
Cason ( Wakeforest to Brompton)
Community
EdIoe (Sunset to Rice)
Rice
University
Wakeforest ( Bissonnet to University)
Wakeforest (University to Brompton)
Weslayan
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First Priority Streets
Both sides
Both sides
Both sides
Both sides
South side
West side
West side
Both sides
Both sides
Both sides
West side
Both sides